A MAN charged with the murder, rape and robbery of a 17-year-old girl appeared in the Sebokeng Magistrate's Court.

Khumamang Mazibuko, 24, of West Side Park in Sebokeng, has been charged with the murder and rape of Rebecca Mayekane whose body was found in a storm water drain.

Mazibuko is also charged with robbing Mayekane of hercellphone.

Community members, who came in two buses, were crammed inside the court where Mazibuko appeared.

Singing and ululating, the angry crowd waved placards demanding that he be denied bail.

Sedibeng district municipality executive mayor Simon Mofokeng yesterday expressed sadness and shock at Mayekane's murder.

"It is wrong to do these terrible things to our sisters and mothers, especially during Women's Month," Mofokeng said.

"We will ensure that we speed up the current programme of installing security cameras in all our areas to ensure the safety of women and children at all times."

Mayekane was last seen on Sunday when she went to buy milk at a nearby tuck shop.

"That was the last time we saw her alive. It is heartbreaking because she was a very bright girl. She had a promising future which was cut short," said her grandmother, Wilhemina Maikano. - selebim@sowetan.co.za